Lava domes demonstrate a large variety of textures and features, depending largely on composition and the ability of the lava dome to deform and flow. Listed below are a few of these features and breid descriptions of each.

Blocks

 

Lava domes are often seemingly just a pile of loose and sharp blocks divided by large cracks and spaces between the blocks. Indeed, due to the composition of the lavas that form the domes (typically viscous and high in silica), the lava tends to form and cool into large blocks, varying in size from less than a centimeter to well over 5m. And although blocks may appear randomly placed, their distribution probably reflects eruption dynamics (Fink and Anderson, 2000). These blocks are often unstable and form a field of talus surrounding the lava dome.

Blocks

 

 

 

Photo credit: Shan de Silva.

Large lava blocks near the edge of Chillahuita lava dome in the Andes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explosion Pits

In the distal regions of the lava dome, always from the primary vent, explosion pits are often found. These pits can be many meters deep and disrupt the surface of the lava dome. They are probably caused by high water content releasing and trapping steam beneath the surface of the lava dome. Eventually the pressure builds to high and a small explosion occurs (Fink and Anderson, 2000)

Pressure Ridges (Ogives)

Ogives are commonly found on lava flows, and often resemble the pahoehoe ropes sometimes seen on basaltic lava. These ridges can also be found on some lava domes known as coulées, sometimes found to as much as 30m high. The ridges are formed as a result of compressional forces, parallel to flow of the coulée. The outer surface of the coulée must have a viscosity that is higher than the interior but also must be able to deform in a ductile manner. The spacing and height of these features depends largely on composition.

Chao Sat

 

 

 

Chao, as seen in this satellite image, is an excellent example of a coulée. Note the large pressure ridges visible on the surface of the lava. The ridges on Chao can be over 30m high.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crease Structures

Another common feature seen on lava domes and flows are crease structures. These features develop where lava is allowed to spread laterally as the outer part of the lava flow cools and lava from the interior is still plastic. The processes of creating larger cracks often occurs in multiple episodes of cooling and subsequent fracturing. Often, new extrusions of lava will emerge from these cracks. Size of the cracks can vary from less than a meter to almost 250m (Fink and Anderson, 2000)

 

Large Crease Structure

 

 

Photo credit: Shan de Silva.

Note volcanologist, Casey Tierney, for scale!  

This picture is of a large crease structure found in a lava flow in the Andes.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Fink J. H., Anderson, S.W. 2000. Lava domes and Coulees, In: Sigurdsson et al., eds., Encyclopedia of Volcanoes, Academic Press, 307-319.

USGS. http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/Domes/framework.html